The parking lot at 4715 N Western Avenue (Leland and Western) is in danger of not being developed for affordable housing. There are neighbors who need affordable housing and are affected by whether more affordable housing development moves forward in the neighborhood.

The loss of this public parking lot to a new affordable housing development will be beneficial to local businesses in Lincoln Square by creating more local foot traffic, a better environment to shop and live, and keep more money recirculating locally in the economy. With the development of this lot for affordable housing, local draws to the community such as German Day Festival, Applefest, Mayfest, the local Farmer’s Market, the DANK Haus German Cultural Center, Old Town School of Folk Music, and the Davis Theater will all have that much more of a local audience to draw from. More ingenious uses of our public space, such as closing down streets through Lincoln Square will attract more people to the neighborhood through the CTA Brown Line station, and three CTA buses, Divvy bike share, as well as people on foot. The parking issue is a misnomer because parking lots do not provide tax revenue that support city services as much as income-producing properties that provide affordable housing and additional ground-floor local business retail, ensuring everyone has a place to live and open a business in Lincoln Square. Those that drive should pay for their parking – there are many options to arrive at this vibrant neighborhood other than driving.

We urge you to sign this petition to let the 47th Ward Alderman, Chicago Department of Housing, and Mayor Lori Lightfoot know that there is an urgent need to maintain and create more affordable housing in Lincoln Square in order to preserve our local businesses and authentic culture.

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